At what stage is a developing human recognized as a foetus?

A developing human is recognized as a foetus starting from the end of the embryonic stage, which occurs around the eighth week of pregnancy. At this point, the basic structures of the body have formed, and the organism begins to take on a more recognizable human shape. The term "foetus" is specifically used for the later stages of development, during which further growth and maturation occur, including the development of organs and systems that will be essential for survival after birth.

Understanding the stages, the zygote refers to the very first stage following fertilization, while an embryo refers to the subsequent stage before it becomes a foetus. The placenta, on the other hand, is an organ that develops to provide nutrients and support to the growing foetus, but it is not a stage of development of the human itself. Thus, the correct identification of the foetal stage is crucial for understanding human development.